The Cardinals are preparing to be without catcher Yadier Molina for at least a month after a truly unfortunate foul ball led to emergency surgery for the 35-year-old.

With Kris Bryant batting in the ninth inning of the Cardinals’ game against the Cubs on Saturday, a foul tip from Bryant led to an errant ball going just below Molina’s glove and into his groin. Molina eventually had to leave the game after being surrounded by his teammates in clear pain, replaced by Francisco Pena at catcher.

The speed behind this specific pitch: a 101.5 mph sinker, as measured by Statcast. The foul tip certainly took some kinetic energy off the ball while redirecting, but it was still just about the worst pitch possible to the worst place possible.

Get well soon, Yadi.

Yadier Molina experienced one of the most painful moments of his career on Saturday against the Cubs. (AP Photo)